In the face of strong campaign talk from President-elect Donald Trump about defunding abortion giant Planned Parenthood from federal monies, New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio has made a vow that the city of New York will pay for abortions out of its own coffers for women seeking them.
According to Politico, in a speech at Cooper Union on Monday, DeBlasio gave a number of positions that took a strong stance against Trump.
"If there are threats to federal funding for Planned Parenthood in New York City, we will ensure women receive health care they need," said DeBlasio.
He later doubled down on this promise with a tweet.
I want to be clear: If GOP threatens federal funding for Planned Parenthood of NYC, we will ensure women receive the healthcare they need.— Bill de Blasio (@Bill de Blasio) 1480723352.0
While using taxpayer dollars to fund abortions may upset many, there are some who see this as proof that the claim that Planned Parenthood needs its federal funding is a false one. Erick Erickson at The Resurgent in particular seemed gladdened by the DeBlasio's offer.
If the feds cut the funding, New York’s mayor says they’ll cover the costs. That means they have the money and there is no reason for federal funding to be kept.Let’s do this.
Indeed, for many on the right, this will be a welcome change from the left toward federalism if DeBlasio's words are true.